Body Image God's Way Part 2ಮಾದರಿ

Don’t Let Your Soul Go Hungry

There was a funny TikTok trend that stormed the social media world a while back, and I’m reminded of it today. People were making videos that showed them “calculating” random things on their phone. Their fingers would rapidly dance around the screen while endless calculator-like beeping tones ensued. It was a way to bring humor to whatever we’ve spent waaaayyyyy too much time or money or energy on.

Well if I were to make one of those videos, it would be about the amount of time, money, and energy I’ve spent working on my outward appearance. Only, I doubt there’s any possible way to compile that into one calculation, and it’s really not all that humorous.

It’s tempting to put a lot of effort into trying to force our bodies into what we want them to be. We calculate calories and macros and minutes spent exercising, all in hopes of achieving a body that meets the standard we’ve deemed acceptable. We get really homed in on the number on the scale and jump into every dieting trend that floats through our social media feed. We’re told that if we want it badly enough, we’ll do whatever it takes to have a “good” body. We crave that golden moment when we’ve achieved the body standard we want.

Our bodies are a precious gift, and we get the honor of caring for them and stewarding them every single day. But today I want to ask you how much effort you’re putting into nourishing your soul.

Ecclesiastes 6:7 in The Message says, “We work to feed our appetites; Meanwhile our souls go hungry.”

I think this word appetite could be anything. An appetite for acceptance or admiration or applause or approval. Sometimes, when I get too wrapped up in trying to shape my body into something for the wrong reasons, I pause and ask myself what I’m really seeking. Because oftentimes it extends beyond a simple desire to care for my body so that I can feel my best and live out the calling that God has placed on my life.

But when I take the time to nourish my soul by aligning myself with my Maker, things shift back into place. It’s when I spend time in worship and when I tune in to my relationship with Him that I’m able to lay aside the temptation to spend a lifetime working on my body for the approval of man. I become able to steward my body in a way that honors God. And most of all, it allows Him to transform my heart and mind.

How hungry is your soul today, friend? Spend some time watering your heart by spending time with the One who made you and loves you more than you’ll ever know.